Test your skills on the junior commando assault course and the foam-dart shooting range; scale the impressive climbing wall and see a WW2 tank-style vehicle roar into life.

The Royal Armouries is offering action-packed fun for children of all ages this August Bank Holiday in an Army-style extravaganza.

Youngsters can pitch in and enjoy a Super Commando Kids’ event on Sunday (August 29) and Bank Holiday Monday (August 30), from 10am on both days.

Further attractions include spectacular gun firings, by uniformed gunners, plus military dressing up and weapon handling.

The museum is open as normal and adults and children can view the nation’s big gun collection and underground tunnels, and enjoy a picnic overlooking Portsmouth Harbour and the scenic Meon Valley. Alternatively, the Powderkeg café will be open for hot and cold drinks, plus light meals.

Fort operations manager Mark Selwood, said, “Our Commando Kids’ days promise great entertainment for kids of all ages and an ideal way for them to let off steam. One of the highlights is undoubtedly the mighty 26-tonne Sexton armoured vehicle, which never fails to impress as it roars and clunks its way around the arena.”

Event tickets cost £1 each for adults and £2.50 per child – or buy a family ticket for £5 (two adults, two children).

Last of the Summer Fun

Round off the last week of the summer holidays by visiting Fort Nelson:

Tuesday (August 31) or Thursday (September 2) for one of the popular Fort Fun days.

Tuesday – Legends of Robin Hood – Calling all “merry children” – listen to tales of Sherwood Forest, dress up medieval style, or have a go at real, longbow archery and even build Nottingham Castle.

Thursday – Battle of Britain – This year marks the 70th anniversary of the heroic efforts of “The Few” and the battle to win supremacy over Hitler’s Luftwaffe. Train to become a pilot and discover RAF tactics; keep fighting fit on the assault course and find out about wartime food rationing.

No need to book – just drop in! Tickets for the Fort Fun Days cost £5 (two adults, four children) or £1 for adults and £2.50 for kids.

For details regarding the project and the Royal Armouries’ Dangerously Entertaining events programme, visit www.royalarmouries.org

…ENDS…

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Notes to editors

The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum houses one of the world’s finest collections with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years. The collection originated at HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995.

The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson also tells the story of the Palmerston Forts, built to protect Portsmouth from a feared French invasion in the 1860’s.

Every day, visitors can see one of the big guns fired in salute, watch our resident actors bring to life characters from 1,000 years of history, explore secret underground tunnels and enjoy incredible views from the ramparts. An extensive programme of special event spectaculars takes place throughout the year.

Fort Nelson is open every day except 24-26 December. April to October 10am –5pm (Wed 11am-5pm), November – March 10.30am – 4pm (Wed 11.30-4pm).